EN 
PT_BR The Goiás Agricultural Defense Agency (Agrodefesa) has confirmed the detection of the first outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HIAAP – H5N1) in Goiás. The case was recorded in subsistence poultry in the municipality of Santo Antônio da Barra, in the southwest region of the state. The result was released this Friday (13/06), after analyses carried out by the Federal Laboratory of Agricultural Defense (LFDA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa).
The Agency was notified of the suspicion on June 9, with reports of the deaths of approximately 100 chickens that showed signs such as drooping wings, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, apathy, diarrhea and facial edema. As soon as it was notified, Agrodefesa acted immediately, sending technical teams to the locations within 12 hours to close off the properties and collect samples, strictly following the protocols of the National Poultry Health Program (PNSA).
The president of Agrodefesa, José Ricardo Caixeta Ramos, explains that the confirmation of avian flu in subsistence birds does not affect Brazil's health status before the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO), as it does not involve commercial birds, and also does not compromise meat and egg exports, as importing countries consider the risk low when there is no involvement of commercial farms.
“Although this is an isolated case, with no impact on the poultry trade, the confirmation reinforces the need to intensify containment and surveillance measures. We have already mobilized our teams to work in the affected area, with sanitary control actions, epidemiological investigation and reinforcement of guidelines for the population. Agrodefesa remains vigilant and committed to protecting poultry farming in Goiás,” he emphasizes.
He adds that it is important to emphasize that Avian Influenza does not pose a risk to human health, when there is no direct contact with sick birds, and that the consumption of poultry meat and eggs remains safe for the population.
Containment and control measures
As part of the State Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza, Agrodefesa has already put into operation a Special Animal Health Emergency Group, with support from sectors such as public security, Civil Defense and the city government of the affected municipality. A technical team from the Agency will be on site for surveillance and monitoring activities. The focus of the work is on immediate and coordinated actions to contain the spread of the virus, protect animal and human health and preserve poultry production in Goiás.
Emergency actions include implementing surveillance within a ten-kilometer radius around the outbreak, with intensive monitoring of the movement of birds, eggs and poultry materials, restricting movements and reinforcing sanitary barriers, and temporarily suspending fairs and exhibitions with live birds in the affected regions.
Health education work is also part of this, through raising awareness among producers, professionals, the press and the local population about the risks and prevention measures, in addition to the need for notification in case of suspected cases of the disease.
Emergency Situation
On May 17, the Government of Goiás, through Agrodefesa, published decree No. 10,693 declaring a zoosanitary emergency in the State to mitigate the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HIAAI). As a preventive measure, the measure sought to reinforce the actions already developed in Goiás territory for surveillance, prevention and prompt response to the national scenario of the disease, whether in commercial or subsistence farms, as well as in wild birds.
The publication of the new decree in May, valid for 180 days, sought to align the state with measures already adopted at the federal level, ensuring agility in the mobilization of resources and the implementation of immediate actions in the event of an outbreak of the disease in the state of Goiás. The decree allows for the strengthening of coordination between public and private institutions, increasing the effectiveness of biosafety and health control measures. “It is a strategic and necessary measure. Goiás plays an important role in the national poultry industry and we need to protect our flocks and our economy with rapid and coordinated actions,” emphasizes the president of Agrodefesa, José Ricardo Caixeta Ramos.
Pay attention to the signs
Agrodefesa advises that everyone should be alert to the signs of avian flu and notify the competent authorities if they observe birds coughing, sneezing and nasal mucus; hemorrhagic lesions (bruises) on the legs and sometimes in the muscles; edema (swelling) in the leg joints, crest and wattles, with a purple-blue or dark red color; lack of motor coordination and walking in circles; diarrhea and dehydration. In addition, in laying hens, a drop in egg production and changes in the eggshells may also be observed.
In case of suspicion, it is essential that producers, breeders and the population immediately report any sudden death or signs of disease in birds via Whatsapp (62) 98164-1128.
